Okinawan Nenchosha Club has more than 2,250 combined years of age

There was a birthday celebration Thursday at the Lanikila Senior Center for two dozen nonagenarian -- those are folks who are in their 90s.

There was a lot of to celebrate amongst the Okinawan Nenchosha Club. A combined 2,250 plus years, in fact.

Twenty-five club members were celebrating their 90th birthday this month.

Nobuye Akashi was just one of them. Born in Honolulu in 1918, she has four children, eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She said enjoying family and living joyfully is what keeps her going.

“I try to be cheerful and don’t think of disgraceful things,” said Akashi. “I’m very thankful of being very healthy and I’m thankful for everything and everybody who’s nice to me.”

96-year-old Dorothy Waniya, who -- by the way -- only recently gave up Okinawan dancing at age 90, is happy to share her secret to longevity.

“Nothing secret. I just want to have a good time to live,” said Waniya.

Her advice for the younger folk: work hard, so you're able to enjoy a good life later.

“Work hard. That’s what I think. Because we worked hard, really worked hard,” said Waniya, who worked in housekeeping at the Outrigger Reef Hotel for 31 years.

At the gathering, all the VIPs were given the gift of a bag of rice. But that wasn't the only gift. By the looks of things, the gift of health, happiness and a lifetime full of memories were given to the group.

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